MORE groups are interested in using a converted former tram stop shelter, after the project was the first to be featured on a new community market stall.

The Tram Stop Shelter displayed plans to convert the derelict shelter in Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, into a new community centre on a Southend market stall, organised by Southend Association of Voluntary Services.

The charity, which has already raised more than £60,000 towards the project, will apply for £200,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to pay to convert the former tram stop and changing rooms, which have been derelict for 40 years, into a meeting space and base for groups using the beach.

More than 70 community organisations have already expressed interest in using the space, and another five or six took away information from the stall in High Street.

Bob Craven, 67, of Marcus Chase, Thorpe Bay, chairman of the charity, said: “We have had such a positive reaction from people here and we have achieved exactly what we wanted to.” Visitors can view the plans at the projects AGM, at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club, in Thorpe Bay Gardens, on Wednesday. A different community group will hold a stall on the market each week.